Spencer Heath Archive

Item 1300

Carbon of a letter from Heath to a Mr. Anderson

April 4, 1940

Dear Mr. Anderson:

Confirming my telephone conversation last night, I write to advise greater care in digging the large ever­greens you are taking from me.

Each one should have a solid ball of earth large enough to contain most of its roots and the ball should not crack or fall apart. If this is not done in each case there is considerable danger of the tree not living.

You assured me that your man was experienced in these matters and I have not observed his actual digging of either the first or second load taken away. But I did observe a number of the second day’s digging before they were loaded. These appeared to have balls of small size with insufficient root. Some of them had nearly bare roots without any ball.

Since I am anxious that your planting be entirely successful, I hope you will excuse my criticism and advice.

Sincerely yours,

Note – Where insufficient root has been taken very heavy pruning as well as abundant watering is advisable.